Bills vs. Browns - MNF Preview

Should I really chew up and spit out a boatload of statistics as I often do?  Should I tell you where the Browns rank against the run, and would it even matter if they were near the top or the bottom?  Should I discuss the amount of sacks the Browns have given up, in hopes that maybe the Bills will have a shot to finally get some pressure on the quarterback?  I don’t think it will do much good.  In fact, I’m not sure why I’ve even bothered to write up a pre-game piece for the last few weeks.  I feel as though I’ve discussed the same things over and over again for nearly a month, and the time for the Bills to do something about their current situation is NOW!

There’s no beating around the bush, anything less than a win this Monday night will, in my opinion, end Buffalo’s playoff aspirations.  The way it is looking right now, 10-6 may not get the job done (especially with another AFC loss), considering the 0-3 division record the Bills enter week 11 with.  Therefore, a loss this Monday would make it nearly imperative for Buffalo to win out, a seemingly inconceivable task taking into account the way they’ve been playing of late.

Having said all that, a win this week could change the complexion of the AFC playoff picture, and put the Bills in a potential tie (in terms of overall win-loss record) for the final wild-card spot in AFC.  A win against a solid Cleveland club, the team that ended their playoff hopes only 11-months ago, would do more than give Buffalo their 6th mark in the win column.  It would give them a much needed confidence boost, and get them headed in the right direction as they prepare to face perhaps the easiest part of their schedule (@KC, SF).  In other ways, a win could simply hold the fort down one week longer, and allow additional members of the Bills’ walking wounded to get that much closer to playing.

Key Match-ups

Perry Fewell vs. Brady Quinn: I don’t know how many times I can say it, but with a young quarterback in Brady Quinn starting only his 2nd NFL game, and first on the road, I can’t stress enough the need for the Bills defense to bring some heat.  They have to be more aggressive, not only in terms of blitzing the inexperienced signal caller, but not giving his receivers the time and space to get open so easily on the short routes, which could afford Quinn the opportunity to get comfortable, and into a rhythm.

Marshawn Lynch vs. Buffalo’s O-line: I’ve stopped assuming that Lynch will only be up against the defense he is playing on a given week.  And, in all fairness, despite the fact that I feel the running game’s ineptitude falls considerably on the front 5, I shouldn’t leave Lynch off the hook altogether.  Therefore, he will have to produce this week regardless of the help, or lack thereof, that he receives from his offensive line.  *I must add, as a measure of relief from my persistent OCD regarding stats, this will be the week for the Bills to get going in this regard, as the Browns do struggle against the run - currently ranked 26th in the league (145.2 yards per game).

Donte Whitner/Bryan Scott vs. Kellen Winslow: The last time I featured a match-up with an opposing tight end was when the Bills hosted Antonio Gates and the San Diego Chargers, and the results were good.  Just as I noted then, I know the sole responsibility for Winslow will not fall completely on the safeties, in fact he often lines up in the slot as a receiver (which the Browns may try more of with Buffalo’s inexperienced corners).  Nevertheless, either Whitner or Scott will need to keep their eyes on the TE, who is coming off his best game of the season.

Quick Hits

-The last time Cleveland traveled to Buffalo, the Bills dominated the Browns in a 37-7 win, in which the defense gave up only 26 total yards while tallying 5-turnovers.

-The forecast for Monday night in Buffalo is a mix of rain and snow with a high of 37 degrees.  It looks as though for Trent Edwards to get back on track, it will need to be in the inclimate weather that has troubled him throughout his short career.

-Marshawn Lynch has not run for 100+ yards since the season finale a year ago in Philadelphia.  In fact, he has only hit the century mark 3 times in his abbreviated career.

This Week’s Playoff Grocery List

The Main Course

-A Bills win

The Fixings

-A Baltimore loss in New York (Giants)

-A Miami loss at home to the Raiders

-An Indianapolis loss at home to the Texans

Ultimately, I believe the Bills will find a way to get themselves back on track this week.  If the energy in the crowd is anything like it was a year ago on Monday Night, it will filter down to the players on the field, and maybe that will be enough to invigorate our offensive line to finally get some push off the ball.  I also believe that Trent Edwards is going to find his rhythm early in this contest, and with Buffalo’s offense working efficiently, Cleveland’s offense will be forced to take more chances, rather than chew up the clock on long drives as so many of the Bills recent opponents have done with great success.  I expect the game to still be very much in doubt as the 4th quarter progresses, but the Bills will pull away at the end, and finish the night with a 23-14 win.

Finally, for those of you who will be in attendance, dig deep, and give it everything you have, because the season hangs in the balance.  More importantly though…

Go Bills!

timanderson@sportstalkbuzz.com

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